"Blessed is she, who has believed, that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Luke 1:45

Pages

Sunday, August 9, 2009

What Encourages Me?

Over at the brand-spankin' new, still shiny in the box site, (In)Courage, they have a fun little get-to-know-you party going.

The topic: What encourages me?

I read about it while I was over visiting at Chatting At The Sky (you should bookmark her blog and visit everyday. So much to take in and ponder).

Now, back to (In)courage. It looks completely amazing and the grand kick-off is Monday, August 10th. Head on over and enter your encouragement story to win the super-cute tee shirt that is shown on the home page.

So, here goes...

What Encourages Me?

It is what God does with this average, ordinary, insecure and flawed girl typing away her thoughts onto an unforgiving monitor.

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
~ Philippians 2:13

What does that look like, exactly?

I am encouraged when God uses my words to minister to a sister's heart.

I am encouraged when sharing my struggles allows God to bring me healing through another's hands.

I am encouraged when I read stories of God's amazing power and ability to bring us through things that are too big to even imagine, much less get through without him.

I am encouraged by the way there always seems to be a friend with strong arms around when I need a hug more than I need my next breath.

I am encouraged when I don't think I can take anymore and from nowhere, out of nothing, I feel the desire to just stop and breathe. And remember. I am not alone. I am never called to face anything in my own power, but in the power of the one who created it all.

I went too many years and through too many things without that knowledge and power to take it for granted. If God now chooses to use me, all I can think is: "Wow. Look at little 'ol ordinary me. Doing great things for a God who shouldn't, but does, love me with an indescribable grace and mercy."

How can I not be encouraged by that?

11 comments:

Debbie Petras said...

I too am excited about this new site. And btw, I can see that you are an encourager and that's just the kind of people I love.

Lisa notes... said...

Wonderful post! Encouragement means SO much to me. I love the thoughts you shared. I'll have to check out (In)Courage's new site.

Karen said...

I'M encouraged now, just reading your post!! I'm so glad we got to taste and see that the Lord is good!

David C Brown said...

We have a link with "the God of all encouragement", 2 Cor 1: 3!

Holley - (in)courage said...

Your description of what encourages you rang so true with my own heart, especially "I am encouraged by the way there always seems to be a friend with strong arms around when I need a hug more than I need my next breath." Yes, whether online or in real life I don't know what I'd do without my girlfriends in God! So glad we're (in) together.

Anonymous said...

amen!!

wonderful post.

thanks for sharing.

amber (hutch5@xanga.com)

Shanda said...

Looks like it's going to be an amazing site! I just posted about it today too.

Your thoughts resonated within as they usually do. Thank you for being a vessel with which God can and does use to bless others!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

I am so excited about the new site.....I so need encouragement and so want to give it everyday and that takes courage

Karen said...

This was great, Shannon! Your list was so much like what is in my heart...your words are such an encouragement....

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

They say that friends are God's way of taking care of His people on earth. I suppose it's true. At least, I have had dozens of friends jump in to help with my many disabled children and other life catastrophes. I imagine that God was behind them, pushing, and around them, hugging.

JottinMama said...

Hi!

Thanks so much for stopping by my place! It made my day :)

I love your (in)courage post! I'm walking away from it encouraged, myself! Thanks!

Sweet Blessings,
Kate :)